[PHOTOS] Ruto presides over the groundbreaking of Usenge pier project in Siaya

President William Ruto driving a tractor during the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County/PCS

President William Ruto on Tuesday presided over the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County, a flagship project aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Lake Victoria and transforming livelihoods in the region.

The pier forms part of a broader government push to modernise Kenya’s blue economy and enhance regional trade by upgrading critical infrastructure along the lake.

Designed as a strategic intervention, the project seeks to shift local communities from subsistence fishing to a more structured, industrial-scale blue economy.

President William Ruto addresses locals during the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County/PCS

For thousands of families who depend on the lake, the development is expected to mark a turning point after years of limited infrastructure and logistical challenges.

With Lake Victoria’s vast potential largely underutilised due to outdated landing facilities, the new pier is set to address long-standing inefficiencies in the sector.

It aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve fish handling and storage, and streamline access to markets.

Additionally, the facility is expected to position Usenge as a key logistics hub for cross-border trade, strengthening economic linkages with regional partners and opening up new opportunities for fishermen, traders and investors alike.

President William Ruto enjoys a dance with women during the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County/PCS

President William Ruto driving a tractor during the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County/PCS

President William Ruto driving a tractor during the groundbreaking of the Usenge Beach Pier in Siaya County/PCS